An ID photo, short for identification photo, is a photograph used to verify a person’s identity. It’s a crucial component of various identification documents, ensuring that individuals are who they claim to be in different contexts. These photos are designed to be a reliable visual representation of a person, adhering to specific standards to maintain consistency and facilitate accurate identification.
In many places, including Alabama, presenting a valid photo ID is a requirement for voting. This measure, enacted through Act 2011-673, aims to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Starting from the primary election on June 3, 2014, Alabama law mandates that voters must present a specific type of photo identification at polling places to cast their vote. This requirement means understanding what constitutes a valid ID photo is essential for every voter in Alabama.
For those who may not possess a compliant photo ID, Alabama provides a free Alabama photo voter ID. This initiative ensures that every eligible voter has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, regardless of their access to other forms of identification.
Types of Acceptable Photo IDs for Voting
Alabama law recognizes a broad range of photo IDs as valid for voting purposes. This inclusive approach aims to accommodate various forms of identification that residents may already possess. The following categories of photo IDs are accepted at polling locations:
Government-Issued Photo IDs
These are IDs issued by government entities, carrying a high level of authority and trustworthiness. Acceptable forms include:
- Valid Driver’s License: Unexpired or expired for less than 60 days. This is a commonly held form of ID.
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Digital Driver’s License: The digital version of the driver’s license, offering a modern, electronic form of identification.
- Valid Non-driver ID: Similar to a driver’s license but for non-drivers, also unexpired or recently expired (less than 60 days).
- ALEA Digital Non-driver ID: The digital counterpart to the non-driver ID.
- Valid Alabama Photo Voter ID: Specifically designed for voting, this ID is available free to eligible voters.
- Valid State Issued ID: Photo IDs from Alabama or any other U.S. state are acceptable, expanding the range of valid documents.
- Valid AL Department of Corrections Release- Temporary ID (Photo Required): Temporary IDs issued upon release from correctional facilities, provided they include a photo.
- Valid AL Movement/Booking Sheet from Prison/Jail System (Photo Required): Official movement or booking sheets from prison or jail systems that contain a photograph.
- Valid Pistol Permit (Photo Required): Alabama pistol permits are accepted if they include a photograph.
- Valid Federal Issued ID: IDs issued by the U.S. Federal Government, reflecting national recognition.
- Valid U.S. Passport: A universally recognized document for identity and citizenship.
Employment, Student, Military, and Tribal IDs
Beyond government IDs, the law also acknowledges IDs from specific institutions and affiliations:
- Valid Employee ID from Government Entities: IDs from Federal, State of Alabama, County, Municipality, Board, Authority, or other Alabama state entities.
- Valid student or employee ID from a college or university in the State of Alabama: Includes IDs from universities, colleges, and postgraduate technical or professional schools within Alabama.
- Valid Military ID: Identification for members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Valid Tribal ID: IDs issued by recognized Native American tribes.
Voters possessing any of these valid photo IDs are not eligible for a free Alabama photo voter ID card, as they already have acceptable forms of identification. They should present one of these IDs at their polling place or include a copy with their absentee ballot materials.
Obtaining a Free Alabama Photo Voter ID
For individuals who do not have any of the valid photo IDs listed, Alabama offers a free Photo Voter ID. To obtain this free ID, eligible voters can download an application form and visit designated locations.
Download the application for a free photo voter ID here.
These locations include:
- The Secretary of State’s Office.
- Local county board of registrars’ offices.
- Mobile locations determined by the Secretary of State’s Office. You can find the mobile ID location schedule here.
For those with mobility challenges or group events, it is also possible to Request a home visit or group event by the Photo Voter ID Mobile Unit.
What Happens If You Lack Photo ID at the Polls?
Even if a voter does not have a valid photo ID in their possession at the polls, they are still entitled to vote via a provisional ballot. This ensures that no eligible voter is disenfranchised due to the photo ID requirement.
Furthermore, Alabama law provides an alternative for voters without photo ID. If two election officials positively identify a voter on the poll list as eligible and sign a sworn affidavit confirming this, the voter can cast a regular ballot.
Need More Information?
For more detailed information, you can download the Photo Voter ID Guide.
For any questions regarding voter identification requirements, the Elections Division can be contacted by email or phone at 242-7210 (Montgomery area) or 1-800-274-8683 (statewide).
Understanding the requirements for ID photos and voter identification is crucial for participating in elections in Alabama. By providing various pathways to obtain valid ID and vote, Alabama aims to balance election security with voter access.
